Principal Planning Officer (Policy)

Bassetlaw District Council; Worksop; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Bassetlaw District Council seeks a proactive and experienced Principal Planning Officer (Policy) to join a high-performing team. In this pivotal role, you will lead on strategic projects and manage major planning applications while mentoring junior staff. This position offers an opportunity to influence significant developments and engage with the community effectively, supported by a generous employee benefits package.

Benefits

26-32 days holiday plus bank holidays

Free healthcare cash plan

Flexitime

Employee benefit package

Qualifications

• Sound understanding of development management.
• Experience acting as an expert witness at public inquiries.
• Ability to manage external consultants and mentor junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex strategic projects and major planning applications.
• Engage with the community on key developments and regeneration schemes.
• Liaise with developers and contribute to shaping local and regional growth.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Community Engagement

Strategic Planning

Mentoring

Job description

We’re looking for a proactive and experienced Principal Planning Officer (Policy) to join our high-performing Planning Team and play a key role in shaping some of the most ambitious developments in the region. This is your opportunity to lead on complex strategic projects, nationally significant infrastructure proposals, and high-impact regeneration schemes.

You’ll be responsible for progressing and assessing a range of major planning applications while mentoring junior staff, managing external consultants, and providing expert planning advice at all levels. You’ll also play a central role in community outreach and engagement around key developments—including transformative projects like new settlements and the Trent Valley Supercluster.

This senior role requires a sound understanding of development management and the wider legislative and political landscape of planning. You’ll regularly act as the Council’s expert witness at public inquiries, liaise with developers, and contribute directly to shaping local and regional growth.

We offer a generous employee benefit package including 26-32 days holiday plus bank holidays, free healthcare cash plan, flexitime and so much more. You can read about all our employee benefits here.


We value the diversity of our people and actively encourage applications from all sections of the community. We maintain fair and well thought out recruitment processes at every stage to make sure that everyone is treated equally.

To apply please visit Jobs and careers | Bassetlaw District Council to upload your CV and covering letter, highlighting your relevant experience, qualifications, skills and achievements.

Please note that the application process will require you to upload your CV. If you don't have one to upload, you can download a CV template we've created to help you get started.

Closing date: 17 July 2025

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early when we receive sufficient and suitable applications. Therefore, please ensure that you submit your CV as soon as possible so that you can be considered for this role.

Interview date: To Be Confirmed